A male Sumatran tiger shown at London Zoo. Federal officials allege a Huntington man and woman sold the skin of such a tiger over the Internet. JOEL RYAN, JOEL RYAN/INVISION/AP

A Huntington Beach man and woman suspected of selling the skin of an endangered tiger are among six Southern California residents charged Thursday as part of a federal undercover operation focused on the trafficking of endangered wildlife on the Internet.

Hanna Karim, 44, and his wife, Margarita Licomitros, 36, were charged with offering an endangered species for sale, according to a Department of Justice statement.

Prosecutors allege that the couple sold a Sumatran tiger skin on Craigslist for $8,000. Authorities estimate that there are fewer than 500 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild.

The arrests are part of an investigation coordinated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service which authorities have dubbed Operation Wild Web. As part of the operation, investigators pose as buyers of endangered or protected wildlife.

Officials say Operation Wild Web has resulted in more than 100 criminal cases being filed across the country, particularly in California, Texas and Florida.

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